Smart stayer Highland Jakk scored a deserved victory in the Gr.3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphetville on Saturday under jockey Teo Nugent.
It was the sixth career victory and first at Group level for the son of Jakkalberry who is prepared by Robert Hickmott at Ballarat.
The six-year-old travelled sweetly throughout and was well positioned in third by Nugent, blending into the race at the top of the straight.
He went on to prevail by half a length from Stars of Carrum and Grand Promenade.
Sent out the $4.60 second favourite, Highland Jakk will most likely be on a path to the Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 13.
Highland Jakk was bought by Hickmott’s brother Michael at the 2018 Karaka yearling sales. He was a $25,000 purchase from Luigi Muollo’s Novara Park, home to his late sire Jakkalberry, who was placed in the 2012 Melbourne Cup.
As a three-year-old Highland Jakk placed at Listed level in behind Pancho and subsequent Group One winner Russian Camelot.
